A Simon update.

[wisteria_]

A David Simon update: I'm about 2/3 of the way through S1 of The Wire. I'm liking it more than expected, though on an intellectual level rather than an emotional one. Plus, it's a very male show, which generally doesn't appeal to me. I'm still giving it a shot, though! On the other hand, I really liked the first episode of Treme. I think that'

Comments

[shamoogity]

I found it took me a long time to get into The Wire, but once I did, I was totally hooked. So definitely give it time. Has Treme aired yet? I'll have to track that down.

[nicole_anell]

It is a very male-heavy show, which is unfortunate because there are a handful of awesome female characters I LOVE, but they were usually not given the same space or inner lives that the male characters had. On the one hand it's realistic because there *are* fewer women involved in the police and the drug trade, but we could've at least seen, like, a female addict given as much attention as Bubbles, or some acknowledgement of girl students during the season that was all about the corner boys. And did they just have no idea how to write for Rhonda without pairing her off with someone? [/rant]

Er, but aside from that, I sooo adore The Wire. Often in more of a detached "omg the writing" way, but the emotional impact did hit for me eventually, and very hard.

[ponygirl2000]

For me it was always the last episode of each season that had the emotional payoff. But yes, it is a more detached experience, I think that's the reason almost everyone lists the fourth season as their favourite, it's impossible not to become more emotionally invested in children.

The lack of consistent female POVs is the big flaw in the series - sure Kima's great, and in the second season there's Amy Ryan's character but it is way too male. David Simon admits this failure in the one of the commentaries but I guess it was something they never got around to addressing.

[cosetteferaud]

I consider The Wire an excellent show, very well done and intriguing, but I never could become invested on an emotional level --the same goes for shows as Mad Men or The Shield, for instance. As you point out, one of the main problems is the lack of character development for the female characters, definitely a drawback for me. And the fact that is a very plot driven show doesn't help, either. But well, as you point out, it's not a matter of quality but personal preferences.

[makd]

Loved The Wire and I already love Trime - each for different reasons.